1: go as fast as you possibly can(try not to become dependant on caffine)
2: work as smart and as hard as you possibly can. NEVER JUST STAND AROUND. grab a broom and sweep under everything.
3: be able to gracefully tolerate all the guff you will undoubtedly recieve from the higher-ups

bonus tip: lose self-importance. it makes the first three infinitely easier. there is nothing anyone can say, or do, or force you to do, that is important enough to truly upset you. if someone makes you angry, dont let it show, and remember, work soaks up 90 times it's weight in worry.

when you know you're going slow because you've got a hangover, or because you're 9 hours in to a 12 hour shift, or because all the managers are pooping on you, or because you're being forced to clean the drunk person puke out of the customer restrooms, PICK UP THE PACE! you could get hit by a meteorite any second, do you want to be spending your last waking moments feeling foggy, going slow on a menial task because you're feeling sorry for yourself? probably not.

if you can maintain those 3 skillz, you'll be getting better hours and better pay in no time.

You need good organizational skills, be able to anticipate the needs of your guests (soup spoons with soup, extra knapkins for kids, ketchup with fries, etc.) and always have integrity on the job (don't mess with people's food!) Stay cool under pressure and don't sweat a bad tipper, there's a great tipper coming soon. Be kind to all other support departments- chefs, cooks, bussers and dish staff (it's hot in that kitchen). And most important KNOW YOUR MENU! It's your tool to making better tips